The year started off on 3rd January for me with a ‘social’ at Communicaire to thank all those volunteers who put so much time and effort into the various facets of our important community centre at Les Quennevais. The centre touches everyone from toddlers through teenagers, to our more chronologically gifted, and really works. More assistance is always welcome however, so don’t hesitate to put yourself forward if you have an inclination.

The month ended rather sadly in that the Parish finally passed over the administration of the Poor Law and welfare system to the Minister for Social Security. Having been involved with looking after our own has been a fact of life for hundreds of years and this break from tradition is seen by some as regrettable, but we have to adapt to modern day life patterns.
Claimants of the new income support system will find it simpler to deal with in that the plethora of benefits available now come under one umbrella.
The Parish will still assist in the distribution of funds on behalf of the minister where necessary, so we will still be keeping an eye out for cases of hardship which inevitably can occur in this busy and expensive way of life that we have today.

The Parish is eternally grateful to the outgoing Welfare board consisting of John Gready, Sue Morley and Val Palmer ably assisted by Mike and Jenny in the office. Friday mornings will never be quite the same now.